You Are the Light – 2021 Virtual Gala
September 24, 2021
7:15 pm - 8:45 pm
Check out the event program You Are the Light Virtual Gala Program 2021
Don’t forget to bid on items in the online silent auction: https://firststep.cbo.io. Auction closes at 9:30p on Friday, September 24th.
September 10, 2021
To Our First Step Community,
It is with great sadness, yet critical analysis, that the First Step You Are the Light (YATL) Gala planning committee has decided to pivot the 2021 YATL in-person and virtual hybrid event to be 100% virtual.
One of First Step’s Core Values is Safety – Safety is paramount. This includes the safety and health of our guests, staff members, volunteers, survivors, and the rest of our community. With the increase in COVID-19 cases and the mounting concerns over the Delta variant, we believe this is the best option to celebrate our accomplishments safely.
The live, virtual program will be available to view at 7:30 pm (for approx. 1 hour) by ticketed guests and sponsors only. If you are interested in joining us, but have yet to purchase a ticket, you can still do so! Our virtual program will include messages from survivors, staff, and First Step’s very own Executive Director, Lori Kitchen-Buschel as well as Detroit WXYZ’s Carolyn Clifford. Additionally, there will be awards, celebrations, and other ways to engage from the comfort of your own home. To-go meals, packaged and catered by Laurel Manor, and alcoholic beverages will be available for pick up to anyone purchasing a ticket before September 17th. Private links will be shared directly to ticket holders closer to the event so that they can easily join in on the celebration.
Our silent auction will be available at least one week prior to the event, and open for the public to participate in, too! Packages include survivor art, gift certificates, sports tickets, travel opportunities, and more! Taking part in our auction is a great way to support First Step’s mission and raise funds for the Animals Receiving Kindness Program (ARK), First Step’s on-site animal shelter. Other ways to give back will be announced during the live, virtual program, as well.
To purchase tickets, visit http://give.classy.org/yatl2021
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Carrie Bozman at cbozman@firststep-mi.org, Theresa Bizoe at tbizoe@firststep-mi.org, or call 734-722-1772.
We want to thank everyone that has supported First Step’s mission and for your understanding in this difficult decision. We hope to see everyone at next year’s You Are the Light Gala!
Thank you,
Patrice Alexander, Lisabeth Riopelle, and the YATL Gala Planning Committee
You Can Help Overcome the Problem of Violence in the World
Your support will help shine a light on the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.
Come and join your First Step family at this fun awards gala, and share in a delicious dinner, drinks, dancing, and silent auction.
By purchasing an event sponsorship or buying a ticket to the “First Step You Are the Light Gala,” you ensure that when a victim of domestic or sexual violence reaches out for help, First Step will be there.
First Step stands ready to help survivors who need support to transform their lives from fear and trauma to hope and safety, but we need your help.
Your support of this gala will provide free services, such as shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal information, children’s programs, assault response, food, transportation, and advocacy. First Step even has a program for the pets of
the families in shelter, so that furry loved ones don’t get left behind.
We will be presenting awards and celebrating the work of key people who have made a significant contribution to First Step’s mission. The evening will be yours to celebrate your impact on the community, and enjoy the music, food, dancing, and company.
Click here to register online
View the event invitation
Sponsorship Opportunities
$25,000 Luminescence Sponsor
Event Tickets and Priority Seating for up to 20 Guests
Prominent Full-Page Ad in Event Program
Memento Giveaway for up to 20 Guests
Five Social Media Shout-Outs
Recognition in First Step’s Newsletter
Promotional or Story Video Shared on First Step’s Website, Social Media and Featured During Event
$10,000 Brilliance Sponsor
Event Tickets and Priority Seating for up to 10 Guests
Full-Page Ad in Event Program
Memento Giveaway for up to 10 Guests
Three Social Media Shout-Outs
Recognition in First Step’s Newsletter
Promotional Video or Story Shared on First Step’s Website, Social Media and Featured During Event.
$5,000 Illumination Sponsor
Event Tickets and Priority Seating for up to 10 Guests
½ Page Ad in Event Program
Listing on First Step’s Website
One social Media Shout-Out
$2,500 Radiance Sponsor
Event Tickets for up to 10 Guests
¼ Page Ad in Event Program
Listing on First Step’s Website
$1,250 Ultraviolet Sponsor
Event Tickets for up to 10 Guests
1/8 Page Ad in Event Program
Listing on First Step’s Website
$500 Glimmer Sponsor
Two Event Tickets
Listing in Event Program
Listing on First Step’s Website
$300 Candlelight Sponsor
Two Event Ticket
Listing in Event Program
$250 Neon Young Professional Sponsor (35 years and younger)
Two Event Tickets
Listing in Event Program
$100 Event Ticket
One Event Ticket
Event Tickets include entrée, dessert, and open bar.
In the event of a virtual only event, meals can be picked up at Laurel Manor or participants can choose to donate 100% of the proceeds to First Step.
Click here to register online
Deadline for recognition in program is September 3, 2021.
You can also mail, email or fax this form to First Step:
44567 Pinetree Drive, Plymouth, MI 48170
Fax: 734-416-5555 info@firststep-mi.org
Please make checks payable to First Step
Questions? Call 734-656-0730 or email tbizoe@firststep-mi.org